The word fasces comes from the the Roman word meaning bundle. The fasces itself is an axe surrounded by bundled elm rods. It's true meaning is and origin is unknown, although it was probably a phallic emblem..

The fasces was a symbol of authority in ancient Rome. It was later adopted by Mussolini's fascist party during World War two, and is the origin of the word "fascist."

On early American coins and other symbols, it symbolizes the unity of the colonies- a single stick may be broken, but a number of sticks bound together cannot be.

Fasces

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